Who's On-Line Now?

Monday 12 March 2012

John Carter

I've just got back from my first trip to the cinema in nearly 3 years and I watched John Carter. I haven't read the original story and I never read any of the "John Carter of Mars" comics from Marvel in the 1970's either, so I can't saw how close to the original story the film came.
I am still fluey so there were a couple of quieter moments within the first hour when I almost fell asleep, but I'm glad to say that I didn't miss anything. I am not convinced that it needed 3D either. This was the first ever 3D film that I've seen and I was slightly distracted by the loss of the illusion caused by the edge of the screen cropping images and the fact that the actions scenes became blurred.
There was a great blend of action, dramatic scenery, comedy, not too much of the romance and excellent effects. My only criticism would be the lack of consistency in John Carter's reaction to Mars' (Barsoom's) gravity, it was a bit hit and miss. And, although Taylor Kitsch is a very sexy man, and part of the reason I was initially drawn to the film was the fact that he was virtually topless for the whole film, I was not overly distracted by this, but was more interested in the action and the story.
Well worth seeing. Anyone got a copy of Princess of Mars they'd like to lend me, fancy a read of the original now. And also interested to see the Princess of Mars film that was released, straight-to-DVD, a couple of years ago (though I do feel that the only benefit there WOULD be seeing the star, Antonio Sabato Jr!).
I recommend watching John Carter if you like Sci-Fi or action films.

Saturday 10 March 2012

R.I.P. Uncle Barry

I had a phone call from my sister Lynn, just before half time in the Ireland v Scotland 6 Nations match. As soon as I saw her face appear on my iPhone I knew what she was calling be to tell me. Yesterday afternoon my uncle Barry passed away from complications of his brain tumor. I knew it was coming but it still wasn't nice to hear. Initially I was okay, but as the match restarted for the second half I found myself crying. I didn't ever know Barry very well, he used to visit frequently before my father died, when I was 7, my siblings knew him better than me. I hardly remember ever talking to him or his (very) long-term girlfriend Ann in any depth. Pretty much the same as all of my extended family really.
I don't know yet when his funeral will be, it's early days yet. But I think I will have to purchase a black suit before then, I don't have one any more. Then again, uncle Barry was always on a jacket and jeans, so maybe there will be a casual theme. We shall see.

Sunday 4 March 2012

Twice As Many Steelers!!

I was working a night shift on Friday night and finished at 7:00 on Saturday morning. I had managed to get the Saturday night off and so I wanted to get home and to sleep as soon as possible, which I did. Within 30 minutes I was in bed and dreaming. I had set my alarm for 13:00 so that I could get up and enjoy most of the day. I had lunch and then set off for West Ham to go and watch the first AND second Kings Cross Steelers teams play at home, a rare event.
I got there just after both kick-offs. There was no one there that I've talked a lot to, but a few familiar faces on the touchline. One team won 41-25 the other team lost (though I never found out the score). On the third pitch, the one nearest the clubhouse, 2 other teams were playing with Martin Johnson watching from the side. They were in the bar later, but no one else was allowed in there, were were relegated to the function room, though Johnson did walk through to use the loo at one point. He is quite tall (and not very attractive for a rugby player).
I had three pints after the match, which made me feel even more tired than I already was, so I then came home and relaxed.
I have next weekend off for the Six Nations, with England playing on the Sunday. Then the following weekend I am also off for the Six Nations finale with all 6 teams playing on the Saturday. It is a shame that I am having to use so many of my holiday days to get weekends off (with the current roster I am on I have to work part or all of 12 weekends in a row, not good).

Thursday 1 March 2012

Tim Again

In a follow up to yesterday's post here is a link to the BBC interview with Tim and his surgeon.